Clarifies involuntary hospitalization process in West Virginia, including who can order it and when petitions can be filed.

This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to clarify the process for involuntary hospitalization. It specifies that an authorized staff physician can order involuntary hospitalization if the patient is addicted or mentally ill and likely to cause harm. The physician must file a mental hygiene petition within 72 hours. The bill also outlines the roles of mental hygiene commissioners, magistrates, and circuit judges in conducting hearings. It mandates that patients be released within 72 hours unless further detained.

Clarifies involuntary hospitalization process in West Virginia, including who can order it and when petitions can be filed.

This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to clarify the process for involuntary hospitalization. It specifies that an authorized staff physician can order involuntary hospitalization if the patient is addicted or mentally ill and likely to cause harm. The physician must file a mental hygiene petition within 72 hours. The bill also outlines the roles of mental hygiene commissioners, magistrates, and circuit judges in conducting hearings. It mandates that patients be released within 72 hours unless further detained.